Fungal diseases, despite their low incidence in sharks and rays, are considered emerging diseases in this group of animals and can lead to high mortality rates despite treatment. The information available related to the treatment of fungal diseases in elasmobranchs is limited and is frequently based on the empirical knowledge provided by the professionals and clinicians working with these species. The use of azole antifungal drugs, especially voriconazole, has shown promise as a potential treatment option for fungal infections in elasmobranchs, with favorable outcomes in some registered cases. However, scientific knowledge regarding azole pharmacokinetics (PK) in fish remains limited, and despite the recent publication of a PK study with voriconazole in rays, there are still no published PK studies for azoles in sharks. In this study, voriconazole was administered at 4 mg/kg intravenously (IV) and intramuscularly (IM) to nursehound sharks (Scyliorhinus stellaris) (n = 6). Blood samples were collected before administration and at nine predetermined time intervals afterwards (0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4,8,12, 24, and 36 h). Plasma concentrations were determined using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were estimated using a non-compartmental model. The mean peak plasma concentrations (C_max) ± SEM after IM administration was 3.00 ± 0.23 µg/mL. The volume of distribution (Vd) after IV and IM administration resulted in 1.39 ± 0.09 L/kg and 1.50 ± 0.18 L/kg, respectively, showing no statistically significant differences between the two routes. Clearance (Cl) values were 0.12 ± 0.01 mL/min after IV administration and 0.29 ± 0.05 mL/min after IM administration. No adverse effects were detected during the study or four weeks after administration. These results support the administration of IV and IM voriconazole in sharks; however, additional studies on toxicity and pharmacodynamics are necessary. Moreover, further research on the susceptibility of fungal pathogens affecting elasmobranchs is needed to establish an optimal dosing regimen for IM voriconazole in the treatment of mycosis in sharks.

Background/Objectives: The expansion of intensive swine production in Córdoba, Argentina, underscores the need to assess the risks associated with antimicrobial (AM) use, whose extensive application has driven antimicrobial resistance, a major global threat within the One Health framework. This study aimed to characterize AM use practices and evaluate the epidemiological resistance profiles (non-wild-type phenotypes, NWT) of commensal Escherichia coli of fecal origin from swine farms, using epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs) as a surveillance criterion. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 19 farrow-to-finish farms in Córdoba during 2023. Information on AM use (prophylaxis, metaphylaxis, treatment) across production categories was collected. A total of 437 E. coli isolates were obtained from fecal samples, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for 10 AMs of critical importance for human and animal health. NWT phenotypes were classified according to EUCAST ECOFFs, and multidrug resistance (MDR) was assessed. Results: AM use was frequent and predominantly prophylactic (89.5% of farms), mainly through mass medication (66.3%), with macrolides and amoxicillin being the most commonly administered AMs. NWT proportions were extremely high (90–92%) for ampicillin, tetracyclines, and chloramphenicol and substantial for ciprofloxacin (50.6%), sulfamethoxazole (68.2%), and trimethoprim (44.9%). Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing phenotypes were detected. Alarmingly, 92% of isolates were classified as MDR E. coli, with homogeneous distribution across production categories. Conclusions: Findings reveal intensive and largely empirical AM use that has consolidated a stable intestinal resistome in the swine population. High MDR levels, even in categories with limited direct AM exposure or involving banned compounds, suggest that co-selection and horizontal gene transfer are key drivers of resistance. This scenario highlights the urgent need to strengthen integrated surveillance and promote prudent AM use strategies under the One Health approach to preserve therapeutic efficacy.

La anemia se caracteriza y define por una disminución en términos absolutos de las unidades eritrocitarias, la hemoglobina y/o del hematocrito. El tratamiento de la anemia en animales debe abordarse de manera integral, considerando la causa subyacente, la gravedad clínica y la respuesta hematopoyética del paciente. Las medidas de soporte general incluyen la transfusión sanguínea, que es crucial en casos de hemorragia aguda o hemólisis masiva. La elección del producto transfundido depende del estado hemodinámico del animal y de la indicación terapéutica. La compatibilidad sanguínea y la prevención de reacciones adversas son aspectos fundamentales del manejo transfusional. Asimismo, en anemias ferropénicas, se requiere la suplementación con hierro, y en algunos casos, con otros micronutrientes como cobalamina, ácido fólico o cobre. En cuanto al tratamiento específico en función de su etiología, las hemorragias activas deben ser controladas mediante intervención quirúrgica o clínica del veterinario, mientras que las coagulopatías requieren reposición de factores de la coagulación. Las anemias infecciosas se tratan con antimicrobianos específicos, según el agente etiológico. Las anemias inmunomediadas demandan inmunosupresión intensiva, incluyendo corticoides y fármacos inmunomoduladores, e incluso plasmaféresis en casos refractarios. Las anemias no regenerativas por insuficiencia renal pueden beneficiarse de agentes estimulantes de la eritropoyesis como la darbepoetina, acompañada de suplementación férrica. La monitorización es clave para ajustar el tratamiento y evaluar la evolución clínica y hematológica. Se recomiendan controles seriados del hemograma, los reticulocitos, bioquímica sérica y, cuando sea necesario, evaluación de la médula ósea. La instauración de un protocolo de seguimiento personalizado, basado en la fisiopatología del cuadro anémico, permite optimizar la respuesta terapéutica, reducir las complicaciones y mejorar el pronóstico general y la calidad de vida del paciente veterinario.

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